SRINAGAR: The cold spell sweeping across Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh intensified further, pulling down temperatures across most parts of the region. Srinagar recorded its coldest night of the season at -4.4°C.
In south Kashmir, Shopian remained the coldest inhabited area, plunging to -6.5°C. Nearby Pulwama and Baramulla followed closely, registering minimum temperatures of -5.8°C and -5.5°C, respectively.
The districts of Anantnag and Kulgam also saw sharp dips, settling at -5.7°C and -2.4°C. In north Kashmir, Bandipora and Kupwara both recorded lows of -4.5°C.
Central Kashmir was no exception, with Budgam freezing at -4.6°C and Ganderbal touching -3.3°C. The harshest conditions, however, were reported from the higher reaches, with Zojila Pass recording an extreme -16.0°C, the lowest in J&K.
Meanwhile, the Jammu region also witnessed a significant temperature drop. While Jammu city settled at 8.7°C, areas like Banihal (-1.5°C) and Bhaderwah (0.4°C) experienced near-freezing conditions. Katra (8.5°C), Kathua (8.2°C), Udhampur (4.6°C), Ramban (4.1°C), and Rajouri (2.0°C) all reported notable declines, signaling the spread of the cold wave to the plains as well.
In Ladakh, the winter chill tightened further. Kargil recorded the lowest at -9.5°C, followed by Leh (-8.6°C) and Nubra (-7.7°C). While sub-zero conditions are typical for the region, the early and steep drop indicates a harsher winter setting in sooner than expected.
With temperatures expected to fall further, the ongoing cold wave is likely to deepen, bringing even tougher days for residents across Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh.
